Westfield Appoints Henning Haagen as New Chief Underwriting Officer

Westfield Insurance Announces New Leadership

Westfield Insurance, a prominent U.S. property and casualty insurance provider, has officially welcomed Henning Haagen as its Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), effective September 2, 2025. This strategic move underscores Westfield's commitment to enhancing its underwriting capabilities and portfolio management amid a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

Henning Haagen arrives with a robust background in underwriting, having established a successful global career that perfectly aligns with Westfield's goals. With over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, he is poised to fortify the company’s underwriting strategies and drive profitably disciplined growth. CEO Ed Largent expressed confidence in Haagen's extensive expertise, emphasizing his leadership skills that will bolster Westfield’s underwriting framework.

Haagen's role will be pivotal in overseeing the company’s comprehensive underwriting strategy, which includes managing standards and governance across Westfield's global portfolio of private, commercial, and specialty insurance products. In his position, he will chair the Enterprise Underwriting Portfolio Strategy Committee and will play a significant part in risk management and underwriting talent development.

Previously, Haagen served as the Chief Development Officer at HIVE Underwriters Limited, where he contributed to significant business transformations. His experience also spans various senior underwriting and sales positions with Allianz Commercial, where he managed global operations across multiple regions, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. His keen focus on regional and global underwriting strategies has consistently aimed at aligning risk appetite with corporate objectives.

The insurance sector is constantly facing challenges, and with Henning’s appointment, Westfield illustrates its proactive approach to tackling these hurdles. He aims to elevate Westfield's underwriting quality and contribute to maintaining the firm’s legacy of reliability and excellence.

Reflecting on his new position, Haagen remarked, “I am thrilled to join Westfield and contribute to an organization that boasts a strong heritage and ambitious goals for the future. I look forward to collaborating with our underwriting teams across the company to devise strategies that ensure consistent underwriting excellence and foster sustainable growth.”

Westfield’s history dates back to 1848, making it a stalwart in the global insurance market. The company prides itself on offering an array of innovative insurance products through a network of distinguished independent agents and brokers across the United States. They also provide specialty products through Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200.

With a workforce of nearly 3,000 employees and revenues exceeding $4 billion, Westfield underscores its commitment to delivering outstanding risk solutions and comprehensive customer service. Stakeholders are optimistic about Haagen's leadership and foresee promising developments under his governance, as Westfield continues to strive for excellence in every aspect of its services.